Improvement in photographic-plate holders



S. T. STEIN. kPhocugraphic Plate-Holders.

Patented April 217,1874.

Fija.

Witnesses:

@.M, MCJJM UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIGE.

SIGISMOND T. STEIN, OF FRANKFORT, GERMANY.

IMPROVEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHlC-PLATE HOLDERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 150,097, dated April 21, 1874; application filed August 21, 1873.

To all whom t may concern:

Be itknown that I, SreisMoND TnEoDoRE STEIN, M. D., of Frankfort, Germany, have invented an Improved Apparatus for Photographing, of which the following is a specification:

The following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing hereinafter referred to, forms a full specification, wherein are set forth the nature and principles of the said invention, together with such parts as are desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States.

g My invention relates to that class of photographic instruments commonly known as the photographie-plate holder#7 and the nature thereof consists in certain improvements in the same, hereinafter shown and described, whereby photographs may be taken without the use of a darkened room.

In the accompanying drawing, which illustrates my invention, and in which correspond ing parts are` illustrated by similar letters, Figure l is an'elevation of the case or holder. Fig. 2 is a vertical section. Fig. 3 represents the inner frame. Fig. 4 is a vertical section of inner frame. Fig. 5 illustrates the plateholder.

The apparatus consists essentially of a small case-holder, which I term the heliopictor and designate A in the drawing. The slide indicated by letter B has a pane of yellow glass, a, andthe depth of the heliopictor is accommodated to the size of the lens and of the camera, so that the larger the photograph the deeper the case must be.

The instrument can be arranged for all cameras and lenses that are used. In it there is placed a removable glass frame, C, which may also be made of bitumined wood or in dia-rubber, and the back side of which is covered to its quarter part by an upright wall, c. The frame is covered by a dull polished focus-class, s, the dull side below. Between the said fo cus-glass and the frame, when the latter is made of bitumined wood or india-rubber, there is inserted a packing of soft rubber, c; but if the frame is of glass, packing is not wanted, because two focus-glass plates close hermetically together. If the glass rests upon the frame, to which it is pressed by the springs .r

on the cover D of the plate-holder, which also has a small yellow plate, d, there is a perfect hermetical locking, and the van for the silverbath is ready. the bottom of which forms the glass itself that is to be impregnated with iodide of silver. This van is like a half-covered cup. To bring the solution of silver into the apparatus, there is on the side a round hole, z', that corresponds exactly with a hole, i', in the frame G. This aperture 'i is closed by aslide, 7s, placed in a suitable recess or slot in the side ofthe case, it being held down by the spiral spring l and raised by the handle j'. In the aperture is tightly litted a rectangular pipe, E, with a cock, g, upon which a little glass funnel, 7i, is placed. When the pipe is pnt in the aperture the slide k is raised and held up by theinserted pipe, and the aperture is closed the instant the pipe is removed. The slide B is raised by the thong b, and it is held when closed by-a bolt or button, Z1. m indicates a spring to hold the glass plate s.

To take a photographic picture with the heliopictor, the following processes should be observed: First, the blind or dull focus-glass sis put upon the frame C and fixed by the spring m; the instrument is inserted in the camera, and the sliding portion of the camera moved until the image on the ground glass is at its greatest distinctness. Second, the heliopictor is taken from the camera and the plate s removed. Third, a clean plate of mirror-glass, of convenient size, is then dipped in water, and a solution poured thereon, consisting ot' distilled water, eight hundred grams; fresh twirled albumen, twenty-five grams; glacial acetic acid, ten drops; iodide ot' potassium, onehalf gram. The plate is then dried. Such plates maybe prepared and kept ready for use. Iodized collodion is poured on the plate in the usual manner. Then the collodion drying' on the lower edge is of the softness of butter, the plate is placed with its collodionized side upon the frame C. The cover II is then closed and fastened by the bolts or buttons o, the plate being pressed to the frame by the springs x, and the instrument placed in a vertical position. Fourth, the pipe E is inserted in the hole fi, the spring-slide 7c being drawn up. A solution of nitrate of silver (one nitrate of sil4 ver, ten distilled water, one drop nitric acid) is poured in the funnel Il, by means of a qualified graduated measure, to fill the space wit-hin the frarne nearly to a. The faucet g is then closed and the case quickly turned, so that the yellow plate ay is up, and the solution of silver will run at once over the collodionized glass plate. A motion of the case for about two minutes causes the formation of a white coating of iodide of silver. The process is controlled by the yellow plate a. If the liquid does not run down the apparatus is placed in a vertical position, the pipe E turned down, the faucet opened, and the solution of silver runs out, and may be returned to the bottle through a bibulous filter of paper. The pipe is then withdrawn and the spring-slide la is closed. Fifth, the heliopictor is now placed again in the camera, the slide B drawn up, and the object properly exposed. Sixth, when sufficiently exposed the object is again covered, the slide B returned, the plate-holder H is removed, the sp1-in g-slide k is aiscd, and another pipe provided with faucet and funnel inserted in the aperture Iz', as before. 'lhe liquid for developing the picture (as a solution ef sulphate of peroxide of iron) is then poured in to same extent as before. The case is then laid horizontally, so that the liquid liows over the plate, the light being controlled by means of the yellow plates a and z. Yhen sufficiently developed, the case is again placed vertically, the pipe turned down, and the developing liquid let out. \Vater is then poured in for the purpose of cleaning the plate, and after vard poured out. Seventh, the platefholder is then removed, andthe plate taken outto clean. rlhen apply hyposulphide of soda, wash t-he plate with clean water, and, when perfectly dry, varnish it. Eighth, when the plate is taken from the frame the latter is cleaned with water and replaced in the case. Each case should have two inserting frames for readily changin n'. rlhe operation is by daylight.

The apparatus is peculiarly adapted to takY ing landscapes, and to scientific purposes.

rlhe preparation of the plate with albumen before it is colloilionized mustnot be forgotten, for without this precautionary measure, the collodion will not properly adhere to the plate.

Having thus described the construction and operation of my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United Statesl. The frame C, glass s, rubber 0,' and cover D, provided with springs af, combined together as described.

2. rlhe holder A, provided with the hole fi, pipe E, slide 7.', and frame B, combined together as described.

3. rlhe frame C, in combination with the subject-matter of the preceding claim.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name in thc presence of two witnesscs.

MED. DR. S. TH. STEIN.

Witnesses:

E. WIRTH, C. W. S'rooLvnL. 

